Bill Dana

Tribute

Bill Dana, the entertainer who was known best for his dialect comedy embodied in the character José Jiménez, died Thursday, June 15, 2017, according to multiple news sources. He was 92.

Comedian played the character José Jiménez on TV shows...

Bill Dana, the entertainer who was known best for his dialect comedy embodied in the character José Jiménez, died Thursday, June 15, 2017, according to multiple news sources. For full obituary and coverage from Legacy.com, click here.

Condolence & Memory Journal

One of my favorite actors! Now, he's carried that character to Heaven, fly high my friend....."Angelo"...

Posted by
Scotty Westbrook - DORA, AL July 22, 2018

OK, Jose. You're on your way!

RIP

Posted by
Ed Sullivan - Hollywood, CA June 23, 2018

Condolences to Mrs. Dana and family.I laughed with everyone else at the Jimenez caracter.He lived a long life making people smile.May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this time.

Posted by
- Chicago June 26, 2017

Wonderful memories of growing up in suburban Minneapolis and watching Mr. Dana on The Ed Sullivan Show.

A wonderful performer, a talented writer, Bill Dana was a American cultural institution and his passing should be receiving more national attention than it has, but as those running the nation's newsrooms become progressively younger...

Nashville has been lucky to have had Bill Dana in our midst, during recent years, I hope he viewed his time here as years well spent.

May Bill Dana's memory be for a blessing.

Posted by
Stacy Harris June 25, 2017

I remember when I was a little girl and would never miss seeing him on TV. I am now 60+and still remember how funny he was. Bill Dana will always be in my thoughts and old time memories. Jose' Jemeniez will live in my heart forever. My condolenses to the family and friends.

Posted by
Ava Pearson - Springfield, MO June 23, 2017

Over his long career, he made millions of people laugh. Some of those millions had troubles that, during their laughter, they momentarily forgot. He was a healer, specializing in the Funny Bone.I recall, as a child, sitting on the family sofa and laughing at the deadpan responses of Jose Jimenez. My mother was Belgian, and had a thick accent herself, so perhaps she identified with Jose and his struggles with English. My parents would never have allowed any kind of racism, but they didn't see Bill's character as demeaning. Laughing at yourself is a gentle art that reflects a gentle soul. Bill, that gentle soul, made us laugh.

Posted by
- Dugway, UT June 22, 2017

May your family be comforted with all your wonderful memories ...looking at his face for 60 years still makes me smile. I hope he's yucking it up above.

Posted by
Betsy Paul - Chantilly, VA June 22, 2017

What a good long and wonderful life Bill Dana enjoyed! So many cannot say the same. May he forever be in our hearts and in God's book of life.

Posted by
A friend June 22, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of Bills passing. He brought such joy to our home with his writing and comedy. I have missd him over the years.

Posted by
John Price - Lenoir City, TN June 21, 2017

My family so looked forward to seen "Jose", thank you for those wonderful times. To his family so very sorry for your loss, thank you for sharing him with us!

Posted by
Michaeleen Teixeira - Modesto, CA June 21, 2017

My condolences are with his dear family. May God continue to watch over them during this loss.

Posted by
AW - MS June 21, 2017

Dear Mr. Dana:

You made us laugh; you made us think. Your legacy lives on in that classic episode that showed Sammy Davis, Jr. meeting Archie Bunker. It is hard to imagine that show and Get Smart! without your guiding hand.

Bill Dana made millions laugh for years upon years...thoughts go out to the family as they await the time when god will "wipe out all tears and death will be no more" as promised.Christopher MaduriCleveland

Posted by
A friend June 21, 2017

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Posted by
- OH June 21, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear of our loss of my favorite comedian he was my idol since i saw him in the ed- Sullivan, it so happens that my name is Joe Jimenez.

Posted by
Joseph Jimenez - Loveland, CO June 20, 2017

May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Dana family and friends at this difficult time.c

Posted by
Carlotta June 20, 2017

Mr. Dana was a great actor. My deepest sympathy to his family. Psalms 90:10 shows how he lived a long life of special mightiness from God. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief. Keep his many, many memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever.

Posted by
Betty Armour-Fowler - Chicago, IL June 20, 2017

Rest in peace.

Posted by
- Roselle, NJ June 20, 2017

I can still hear in my head, from my memories as a preschooler...."My name is José Jiménez..."

Posted by
LaNell Barrett - LouisvilleKy/Naples, FL June 20, 2017

Thank you Bill for all the fun you shared with us on and off the stage..I sincerely appreciate you for taking the time to attend your ol' friend AL DELORY Cinco shows here in Nashville,Tn over the years..You always were so warm and friendly with the crowd..Rest in Peace,God Bless..

Your Friend and Fan,CAPPO

Posted by
CAPPO - Nashville, TN June 20, 2017

My condolences goes out to the family he was a great actor RIP Bill you will never be forgotten

Posted by
Carol Grant - Monticello, FL June 20, 2017

Thank you for all the laughs and fun you gave to America. Blessings to you and family.

Posted by
john w Taylor - Fortuna, CA June 20, 2017

I met him once years ago while he was visiting his mother here in Reno. A very nice fellow. I remember his iconic character well. Thank you for the laughs, sir. And for your service to our country.

Posted by
Steve Chism - Sparks, NV June 20, 2017

A huge talent in the entertainment world. Sure, he touched our hearts and made us laugh, but was not one dementional. All the behind the scenes work he did is phenominal. We can never thank him enough for the joy he has brought to our lives. We need more Bill Dana's in the world today to combat all the negativity that goes on. With a sad heart I send out prayers to his family and for his memory.

Posted by
Bobby Wilcox - Greer, SC June 20, 2017

Posted by
Matthew McGuire - Cheshire, CT June 20, 2017

Adios, Jose', gracias for all the laughs.

Posted by
A friend June 20, 2017

Posted by
Valenda Newell - Indianapolis, IN June 20, 2017

God Bless - many found memories of you growing up. You will be missed by many.

Posted by
A friend June 20, 2017

Thanks for all the laughs, Bill...You will forever remain a true entertainment classic!

Posted by
Les Breese - Monmouth Junction, NJ June 20, 2017

The Best Of The Best!!!! Another Sad Lost.TV Is Not What It Used To Be Which Makes It Sadder.Bill Dana Was Great And Always Be Remembered By Loving Fans. REST In Peace, A Fan And Family

Posted by
A friend June 19, 2017

Prayers for his family. I have good memories of watching him when I was a lot younger. Enjoyed him so much! Talented man.

Posted by
Irma Schneider - Palmyra, MO June 19, 2017

A great talent, he will be remembered!

Posted by
Barbara Amster - San Diego, CA June 19, 2017

I use to watch Mr.Dana with my grandmother. Very fond memories. Rest in peace and much love.

Posted by
Claire Meyer - Beaverton, MI June 19, 2017

Wonderful guy, first time I saw him on You Bet Your Life I knew he would be around a long time . RIP Jose

Posted by
A friend June 19, 2017

May the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts during this time.

Posted by
Andrea June 19, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bill Dana. Remember him and the other Man on the Street comics. What a great group. What wonderful memories. May he rest in peace.

Posted by
J J - KS June 19, 2017

Deepest condolences to Mr Bill Dana's loved ones. May Bill be in heaven with his friend Mr Don Adams and many great comedians. Bill will be missed. Rest in peace Uncle Angelo.

Posted by
A L June 19, 2017

Posted by
Linda Tracy - Cleveland, OH June 19, 2017

Jose can you see? Hilarious skit.

Posted by
Alan - TX June 19, 2017

Bill was an outstanding talent who was excellent in every role he performed. May his family be surrounded by love and peace at this very sad time. A Fan

Posted by
A friend June 19, 2017

Such a funny, funny man. Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

Posted by
Joan C. June 19, 2017

Rest in Peace Uncle Angelo. May the reunion with some of the Golden Girls be joyful. You will be missed.

Posted by
Garcia - TX June 19, 2017

When I am overcome with the loss of my loved ones, I remember the encouraging words found at Psalm 61:2....."from the ends of the earth I will cry out to you when my heart is in despair. Lead me on to a rock that is higher than I am." I hope they bring you a measure of comfort as well

Posted by
Kathy June 19, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bill. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promise to act in our behalf.1 Corinthians 15:26

Posted by
Christian June 19, 2017

As a child, very young girl of 6 and 7... I remember standing at the family TV screen and loving how he spoke. I always remembered that voice! Happy trails......

Posted by
Mare Blackshear - Benbrook, TX June 19, 2017

As a child, watching Ed Sullivan, I always enjoyed see Mr. Dana perform, along with the Beatles, Topo Giogio, Senor Wences and the endless supply of great entertainers.I am thankful we had such a great selection of talent to watch, every Sunday night.

My sympathies to all family and friends.

Holly

Posted by
- OH June 19, 2017

Such a talented man, writing and developing numerous characters that resonated with audiences over the years. For his dear family, my condolences.Ecclesiastes 3:22; Psalms 62:11,12.

Posted by
A friend June 19, 2017

Godspeed Bill, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Rest Bill, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Posted by
Harry Simpson - Buckeye, AZ June 19, 2017

RIP. He seemed like such a good man, as well as so talented. My favorite of his characters was Angelo on GOLDEN GIRLS. Sympathy to all his family and friends.

Posted by
Michelle Honick - Nashville, TN June 19, 2017

God Bless ! Condolences to his family.

Posted by
Steven - Altamonte, FL June 19, 2017

Mr Dana was a multitalalented man and we thank his family for sharing him with us. As you keep on enduring the grief of the lost of your dear loved one may you know that God is here for you to lean on. May he give you the comfort and strength that you need at this difficult time. God love you.

Posted by
A friend June 19, 2017

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Bill Dana, the entertainer who was known best for his dialect comedy embodied in the character José Jiménez, died Thursday, June 15, 2017, according to multiple news sources. He was 92.